Psychology Aggression: Genetic Explanations

Revision for Genetic explanations for aggressions (including: A01: Assumption of the theory, Twin studies and adoption studies. A02: Evaluation of the theory. A03: Research that supports the theory and evaluation of research.

P.S Done a revision sheet for every topic in aggression. ENJOY & GOOD LUCK.

Genetic Explanations for aggression A01 ­ Describing theory (9 marks) Assumption = That aggression is the result of biological causes. Specifically, people may have inherited aggression through their genes. This may be that they have inherited faulty hormonal or neural systems genetically. Sandberg (1961) ­ Some males have been identified as XYY males (having an extra Y chromosome). CourtBrown (1967) analysis of 314 hospitalised XYY patients indicated hospitalisation was more likely to be a result of aggressive behaviour Cairns ­ Bred aggressive mice ­ showed aggression in later life. Supports that aggression has a genetic influence. Theilgard ­ tested three types of men (XY, XXY and XYY) using thematic apperception testing ­ this is where they are shown ink blot pictures and told to say what they can see. Found that those with XYY were significantly more likely to give aggressive answers. Nelson ­ animal studies have provided strong support for the likelihood that aggression is genetic. TWIN STUDIES: Rutter et al. (1990) carried out a metaanalysis of twin studies on criminality and found that Dizygotic Twins have concordance rates between 13 & 22%, while Monozygotic Twins have concordance rates between 26 & 51%. ADOPTION STUDIES: One adoption study was carried out by Hutchings and Mednick 1975 over 14,000 participants were studied and it was found that a

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This therefore lends a lot of weightto the genetic explanation especially as the studyincluded so many participants giving it goodvalidity.A03 (4 marks) A theory is only as good as the research which supports it....Evaluation of research and what it means for theory Evaluation of research & what this means for theoryWhen using twin studies, it is difficult to separate genetic The adoption study carried out by Hutchings and Mednickand environmental factors.…read more

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Implies that we can control aggression by controlling genes. E.g. genetic engineering in order to breed people who are calmer/less aggressive. LINK: so, theory useful to society as can reduce aggression biologically. Are they > Yet, implications not feasible/possible to carry out, e.g. moral/social problems withuseful/what are engaging in genetic engineering techniques and `playing God'. the > Implies that aggression is DETERMINED by biological factors (no FREE WILL) so we implications? cannot blame people and cannot punish people. So, justice system would not work.…read more